Russian officials admit to existence of doping campaign for Olympic athletes

For the first time ever, Russian officials admitted to the existence of a detailed doping program for Russian Olympic athletes. The admittance of guilt was a result of a series of interviews with the New York Times in reference to damning evidence that pointed to the existence of an extensive doping program. The doping program included covering for the athletes by tampering with samples and sometimes replacing them all together. Many speculate that Russia decided to admit fault in an effort to become eligible to host the Olympics again in the future. Those involved in the report stressed that the program was not state sponsored, meaning that President Vladimir Putin and his associates were not involved.